David Gonski’s landmark education review will drive momentum for much needed reform across Australia’s education system, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said today.

“The Business Council congratulates David Gonski and the Review Panel on a report that understands ‘education defines opportunity’, and that new approaches are needed to prepare young people for the changing nature of work,” said Ms Westacott.

“Australia’s schooling system should be aspirational, and we strongly support the principle that schooling should enrich students’ lives, leaving them to be inspired to pursue new ideas and set ambitious goals throughout life.

“The proposal to shift the focus to individual learning and achievement is one the Business Council canvassed in its paper Future-Proof: Protecting Australians Through Education and Skills, and is particularly important in lifting the performance of all young Australians,” said Ms Westacott. 

“The strong focus on literacy and numeracy, as well as the need for critical and creative thinking, is strongly supported. Adopting these proposals would create the real culture change the Business Council has called for in in our schooling system, and help young people to succeed in and contribute to a rapidly changing world.

“Implementing the recommendations will require further work and collaboration between governments. This review has given Australia a roadmap for reform and we encourage relevant Ministers to embrace the principles in this report, and work together to achieve improved outcomes,” said Ms Westacott.